Cape Town — Deputy Defence Minister Mluleki George chose the launch of SA’s second new submarine yesterday to confirm that the vessels would be sailed to SA under their own power and crewed by South Africans.

George’s statement at the launch ceremony in Germany follows a similar statement by Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota last month in which he rejected speculation that there were not enough submariners in SA to sail the submarines home.

There have been media reports that many experienced submariners capable of operating the submarines have taken retirement packages and the first vessel would have to be brought to SA on the back of a barge.

“Uninformed and premature comments with regard to the method that will be used to deliver the submarines to our country were unfortunate,” George said.

“The ministry of defence encourages everyone who requires information to approach relevant officials in the department in order to prevent sowing doubts and confusion in the public mind.

“I will take this opportunity to make it clear that all the submarines will be making their delivery voyages under their own power, with South African Navy personnel on board and under escort by one of the South African Navy surface vessels. In the case of S101, it will probably be the … SAS Drakensberg.”

The launch, at Emden in northern Germany, was of the second of SA’s three Type 209 submarines. The boat was christened “S102”.

“That the submarines sail to our shores on their own power is important. The exercise will give our navy the opportunity to test the submarine and its crew on a long deployment. It will furthermore give us the opportunity to test our ability to support the submarine during such a voyage,” George said.

“(Today’s ceremony) represents but one of the milestones in the life of the vessel of which there will be many. She still has to be completely fitted out, trials and tests carried out, and some fine-tuning done before she can proceed to sea and commence with her first dive,” George said.

George said the first of the submarines, S101, was on track for delivery later this year after successful diving trials. The third of the submarines, S103, had its keel laid and was taking shape.

George said he was “happy to report that all seemed to be progressing well”.

With acknowledgements to Wyndham Hartley, Sapa and the Business Day.